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South Lyon Family Needs Your Vote

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SOUTH LYON (WWJ) - An Oakland County family is getting some global support in its efforts to secure a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The votes have been pouring in — over 27,700 as of Thursday — on behalf of 11-year-old Breanna Strange of South Lyon.

Suffering from Dystonia, a rare neurological movement disorder in which the body suffers from sustained and uncontrollable muscle contractions, Breanna requires constant care. Last month, her family was tipped off to an online contest, as part of National Mobility Awareness Month, in which three winners will receive handicapped accessible vehicles.

After reaching out to family and friends through social media, it wasn’t long before the votes started pouring in.

“This story has gone global,” said David Strange, Breanna’s father. “We’ve got people in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and even Cambodia — all voting so that she can win this van.”

Presently, Breanna is in ninth place out of more than 1,100 entrants. The contest run through May 10.

“Every last one of those contestants is no doubt deserving of one of these vehicles,” David Strange said. “We’re just hoping that we can get Breanna among the finalists and then the organizers will see that she is deserving of one of these vehicles.”

In the meantime, the Strange family says they have already been overwhelmed by the caring of others, friends and strangers alike.

“Everyday I’m floored,” said Kim Strange, Breanna’s mother. “My Facebook account is exploding! I stay up late just to thank every last person I can. We’re kind of just traveling down a path, hopefully inspiring people along the way!”